Central Railway is set to implement a significant disruption in train services from Friday through Sunday due to essential infrastructure upgrades at Thane and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
This mega block will result in substantial service cancellations and alterations, affecting thousands of commuters. On Friday, a total of 161 services will be cancelled. Additionally, several trains originating from Karjat and Kasara will terminate at either Thane or Dadar, impacting numerous passengers during peak travel times. The situation will escalate over the weekend, with services between CSMT-Wadala (Harbour line) and CSMT-Byculla (Main line) being temporarily suspended from 12:30 am on Saturday until 12:30 pm on Sunday. This 36-hour block will lead to the cancellation of 534 services on Saturday and 235 services on Sunday. Overall, 930 local trains and 73 long-distance trains will be cancelled, alongside hundreds of short-term terminations and originations.
The primary reason for this extensive disruption is the critical infrastructure upgrades required at Thane and CSMT, aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the rail network. The Central Railway has appealed to organisations and businesses to allow employees to work from home during this period to mitigate the impact on daily commuters. These upgrades are part of a broader initiative to modernise the rail infrastructure, ensuring long-term benefits for the millions who rely on these services. However, the immediate inconvenience necessitates comprehensive planning and alternative arrangements for affected passengers.
Commuters are advised to check the latest schedules and updates from Central Railway to plan their journeys accordingly. The temporary disruptions underscore the importance of ongoing infrastructure improvements in maintaining and enhancing the reliability of Mumbai’s vital rail network.
